The Art of Giving Flowers

SUMMER FLOWERS:

Enjoy Them Whenever You Can

In general, a flower shop gets very quiet in July and August with the exception of parties and weddings. Don’t  misunderstand, there is always plenty to do, but the pace slows considerably and the jobs that get done are usually those that are pushed aside during the rest of the year when the shop is busier.

  

The main reason that Colony Florist gets quiet, besides the fact that people are out of town, is that many of my customers have the good fortune of being able to cut flowers from their garden. I encourage it because flowers should be enjoyed and if possible, you brought inside to reap the benefits of how they great they make you feel.  If you have a garden that is plentiful, this is a wonderful opportunity to experiment with your design skills and use different combinations of flowers and color. If you don’t have a garden,  plan ahead, start planting, and make sure you include the variety that you like best for next year.

What I love most about the summer flowers is the diverse selection of color. There are unlimited choices from bright to pastel shades.  The selection of blue, yellow, orange, and pink colors are uplifting. They make me happy.

Hydrangeas are one of the most popular and plentiful summer flowers. They come in a wide spectrum of colors but blue, pink and white are by far the most common in this part of the country. In arrangements, they’re beautiful whether they are used alone or combined with other flowers like snapdragons and roses. I am always sad to see them fade because the multiple blooms,  in their prime, are so spectacular.

One trick to help keep hydrangeas looking good for a longer time is to cut them lengthwise along the stem and expose as much of the inside surface area as possible. Doing this allows them to drink more water and keeps them looing healthy longer. It is also advisable to use a sharp knife instead of scissors. If you see them start to shrivel, cut them again and submerge them in water until they drink – they should literally come back to life.

Summer is a perfect time to relax and have fun. Include flowers in your daily life because they will make you happy. Research shows that they can have an immediate and positive impact on your disposition.